Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 99: Hampton Enters the New Millennium

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 99: Hampton Enters the New Millennium

2002 saw a complete redesign of much of the Hampton Motor Group's model range, with a raft of new platforms, models and engines being rolled out in the first quarter of that year. At the core of the range were a redesigned Fennec, an updated Ferret, and a completely new, retro-styled Braemar. The results were mixed: the Fennec was more expensive and less reliable than expected, but redeemed itself by being the most efficient iteration yet, and proved to be a sound basis for high-performance variants. However, the Ferret was a true class-leader across the whole range, and the Braemar (along with its pickup truck counterpart, the Nevis) retained its excellent all-terrain capabilities, although at the expense of comfort for daily use.

Above, from left to right: The core of the 2002 Hampton lineup: Fennec, Ferret and Braemar.

Most of the range received an all-new set of engines with aluminum-silicon alloy blocks and heads, as well as variable valve timing and lift. The exception was the new retro-styled Braemar, which retained its predecessor's engine, but enlarged for more performance. The Fennec, meanwhile, gained a multi-link independent rear suspension for the first time for improved ride and handling.

However, it was in the Hampton Performance Series sub-brand that the most significant changes were to be found. The new Vulture had an all-aluminum structure, as did the Hawk's replacement, the Harrier, with the latter being the first to use the new 5.4-liter V8. But the Vulture retained a lightweight and relatively Spartan interior, in keeping with its track-focused demeanor; the Harrier, on the other hand, was as lavishly appointed on the inside as a high-spec Ferret or Valiant.

Above: Vulture II 2.0 in Nasturtium (left) and Harrier GT 5.4 in Flame Red (right). Below: Valiant 5.4 HPS in Plasma Blue (left) and Fennec 2.0 HPS in Bright Turquoise (right).

The redesigned sixth-generation Valiant also received the Harrier's muscular V8 engine, but only in top-spec HPS trim. Meanwhile, the HPS version of the Fennec shared the Vulture's screaming 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The new Venator, Vanguard and Ferret would not be ignored either; the former two also shared the Harrier's V8, while the Ferret gained an all-new, high-revving 3.2-liter straight-six. However, the Venator and Vanguard had an optional extra that was normally unavailable in any other contemporary Hamptons: a 6.5-liter V12 engine that was far smoother and even more powerful than the V8. As before, skillful transmission tuning and beefed-up brakes ensured that each and every car in the HPS range would have the cornering ability to match its straight-line pace.

Above: 2002 Venator HPS V8 Coupe in New Hampton Green (left) and Ferret S2 3.2 HPS coupe in AA Yellow (right).

The premium range would also be replaced early in the new decade. While the regular Ferrets also had all-new engines, the Valiant, Vanguard and Venator all required a more thorough redesign, with completely new platforms - the latter two even utilized all-aluminum construction, although their sheer size, more luxurious interior and their requirement to have rear seats (as dictated by contemporary company policies) made them heavier than a Harrier.

Above, left to right: Ferret 3.0 Deluxe sedan, Ferret 3.2 Supreme coupe, Valiant 3.0 Deluxe sedan, Vanguard 5.0, Valiant 5.0 Supreme sedan, and Venator V12 Coupe.

In positioning the Venator as a grand tourer, as a marked contrast to the Harrier's mission as a true sports car, Hampton was able to avoid the problem of both cars cannibalizing each other in the marketplace. However, their largest engine - a 6.5-liter V12 - still had untapped potential, and HPR was keener than ever before to exploit it, given that they were not content with merely improving ride and handling over the regular range.

With this in mind, HPR secretly hatched a plan to create a true successor to the Hydra - one that would be even more advanced, and much faster too. Using all the knowledge they'd gained over the past quarter-century, they extracted an incredible 670 horsepower from the V12 they were planning to use, and put it in the middle of an aerodynamically sculpted body designed entirely in-house. As with the Hydra, it was strictly rear-drive, but this time a six-speed manual transmission was standard from the outset, and an electronically controlled LSD was fitted to harness all the extra grunt.

After months of development, the project finally got the green light from Chairman Tony, and HPR began gearing up for a short production run. This time, the plan was to build a few hundred examples over the next few years. In an era where the previous major recession was a distant memory, this seemed like a more easily achievable plan than before, especially since other manufacturers were planning to do likewise. And there would be more to come in the future as well.

Above, from left: Fairlie 3.0 AWD, Fennec Turbo, and Vanguard V12 Elite.

In 2007, Hampton debuted its first turbocharged engine - a 250-horsepower straight four that would be used in the Fennec and Vulture. That same year, the Fairlie made a comeback, but as an AWD unibody crossover. The rest of the range, meanwhile, was treated to a facelift, and gained more power and standard equipment in the process.

Above: 2007 Harrier and 2007 Braemar.

Despite fears of a global economic recession, Chairman Tony remained as optimistic as ever - his cars were built on a sound basis, and they continued to sell as well as they always did.